One-pot Synthesis of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Suspensions for Quantification of Titanium Debris Release in Biological Liquids

In this work we have developed an analytical method to measure potential titanium debris released from TiO2 nanotube layers devices immersed in biological fluids. This quantitative study is highly required to ensure both the security and non toxicity of the nanostructured surfaces used as future implantable medical devices in the living. A one-pot synthesis process is developed to produce high quality standard solutions of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in aqueous medium. The elaborated dispersion is then used to fabricate standard solutions in both aqueous and human blood plasma media. The synthesized nanoparticles dispersion was characterized by granulometry. The nanoparticles structure and morphology were then observed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to evaluate the concentration of TiO2 in the suspension. A quantitative routine by the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) is developed. The quantification threshold of titanium species is found to be in the 30 - 40 ppb range. None interference is detected between the particles and the human blood plasma. Using the established quantitative routine, the titanium species release from titania nanotube layers in human blood plasma is evaluated.